Crossbar clamp devices

ABSTRACT

Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 16/812,993filed Mar. 9, 2020 which is a continuation application of Ser. No.16/215,487 filed Dec. 10, 2018 which is a continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/201,387 filed Jul. 2, 2016 which isa continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/451,348 filed Aug. 4, 2014 which is a continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/030,050 filed Sep. 18, 2013 which isa continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/816,121 filed Jun. 15, 2010 which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/187,197, filed Jun. 15, 2009,all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety forall purposes. This application incorporates by reference in theirentireties the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,416,098 and 8,210,407.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles commonly use a pair of crossbars mounted on the roof of thevehicle for mounting various rack assemblies for carrying cargo.Crossbars come in many different sizes and shapes. Yakima sellscrossbars having a round cross section. Thule sells crossbars having asquare cross section. Auto factory installed crossbars often have moreirregular, oblong, elliptical, more aerodynamic shapes.

The diversity in crossbar shapes and sizes has caused a challenge forrack manufacturers to make racks that are adaptable for installation ona wide range of crossbar shapes. Typically, a rack company has to offera large number of adapters for connecting its racks to differentcrossbar shapes.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair ofcrossbars, each crossbar being secured to the vehicle by a pair oftowers. A clamp assembly is configured to secure a particular cargoitem, for example, bike, boat, skis, snowboard, cargo box, among otherthings, to the crossbars. A clamp assembly includes jaw members, atleast one of which is movable relative to the other jaw member, along ahorizontal path substantially perpendicular to a crossbar. Each jawmember may have an internal surface which is concave and configured forgripping crossbars of different shapes and dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a clamp for securing cargo to acrossbar.

FIG. 2 is a series of partial side views of a clamp gripping crossbarsof different shapes and sizes.

FIG. 3 is a perspective elevation view of a rack for carrying a boat ontop of a vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a close up, perspective elevation view of a pair of saddlemounts clamped to a crossbar.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through one of the saddle mounts shownin FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of one of the saddle mounts shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective elevation view of a bike mount clamped to a pairof crossbars.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the front portion of the bikemount shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a series of partial side views of a clamp gripping crossbarsof different shapes and sizes.

FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom view of a clamp for connecting a bikemount to a crossbar.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are partial perspective elevation views of a headportion of a bike mount clamped to a crossbar.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are partial cross-sectional views illustrating a lockdevice for a crossbar clamp.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a rack for carrying a bicycle wheel, clampedto a crossbar.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the clamp shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the clamp shown in FIGS. 15and 16.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views of the clamp shown in FIGS.15-17, illustrating a lock mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a cargo box clamped to a pair of crossbars.

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of an alternative clampconfiguration for connecting a cargo box to a crossbar.

FIGS. 22-24 are side views of the clamp shown in FIG. 21, illustratingmovement of an actuator for controlling relative movement of the clampbetween clamped and unclamped positions.

FIG. 25 is a side view of an alternative clamp embodiment for connectinga cargo box to a crossbar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows rack 50 for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle. Rack 50includes base 54. Cargo-specific securing device 58 is connected to atop side of base 54. Stationary jaw or claw member 64 forms a walldescending from a bottom side of base 54. Jaw 64 has an external surface66 and an internal concave surface 68. Sliding jaw or claw member 72 ismovable either toward or away from stationary jaw 64. Sliding jaw 72 hasan external surface 74 and a concave inner surface 76 for cooperativelygripping crossbar 78 along with stationary jaw 64. Shaft 80 is connectedto sliding jaw 72, and has handle 84 for manipulating shaft 80 resultingin horizontal movement of sliding jaw 72 along axis A.

As shown in FIG. 1, sliding jaw 72 is capable of a reciprocating, backand forth motion in a direction which may be referred to as“horizontal”. In this case, a horizontal direction basically means it isperpendicular to a gravitational direction which is considered“vertical”. Both of the “horizontal” and “vertical” directions areconsidered to be linear directions in contrast to curved, or angulardirections.

Cargo securing device 58 may be adapted, for example, to secure a bike,a boat, skis, snowboards, or any other kind of cargo being transportedwith a vehicle. Cargo securing device 58 may take the form of a cargobox which may include a hard shell or a soft shell, i.e., a cargo bag.

Shaft 80 may have threads corresponding to internal threads in slidingjaw 72 for actuating horizontal movement of sliding jaw 72 in responseto rotation of shaft 80. Alternatively, shaft 80 may be attached tosliding jaw 72 at a fixed point, while permitting rotation of shaft 80.Shaft 80 may be threaded near proximal end 82 of shaft 80. In this case,shaft 82 would have threads complementing internal threads in base 54 sothat shaft 80 moves along axis A in response to rotation of shaft 80,thus causing corresponding horizontal movement of sliding jaw 72.

Handle 84 may take the form of a screw-type handle for permittingrotation of shaft 80. Alternatively, handle 84 may take the form of apivoting cam lever. A cam lever may have a pivot axis perpendicular toaxis A, and an eccentric surface which causes shaft 80 to movehorizontally when the cam lever is pivoted from a first position to asecond position. A cam lever may also use a threaded screw relationship,either to sliding jaw 72 or to base 54, for gross adjustment, withpivoting motion of the cam lever for final clamping actuation.

FIG. 2 shows how jaw portions 100, 104 adapt to grip crossbars ofdifferent shapes. For this purpose, angled notches 120 and curvednotches 122, may be provided on the internal surfaces of jaws 100 and104. The first view shows jaws 100 and 104 clamped on circular crossbar130. In the second view, jaws 100 and 104 are clamped on oval- orelliptically-shaped crossbar 132. The tips of the elliptical shape arereceived in angled notches 122. The third view shows jaws 100 and 104clamped on a rectangularly-shaped crossbar 134. The corners of thecrossbar shape are received in curved notches 122. The fourth view showsjaws 100 and 104 clamped on oval crossbar 136. In both the first and thefourth view, i.e., circular and oval crossbar shapes, the bar contactsshoulder-like projections on the inside of the jaws between or aroundthe notches.

FIG. 3 shows rack 220 mounted on top of vehicle 224. Rack 220 includescrossbars 228 mounted on vehicle 224 via towers 230. Each tower 230secures one end portion of crossbar 228 to rail 232 provided on top ofvehicle 224. Each crossbar 228 supports a pair of saddle mounts 234 forsupporting the hull of boat 238. As shown in FIG. 3, axis AA defines anelongate axis parallel to the direction of travel for vehicle 224. AxisAA is perpendicular to crossbars 228. Axis AA is equidistant from eachof saddle mounts 234. Axis AA may be referred to as a cradle axis.

FIG. 4 shows a pair of saddle mounts 234 mounted on crossbar 228equidistant from axis AA. Each of saddle mounts 234 are, preferably,constructed substantially identically to provide simplicity andefficiency in manufacturing and assembly. Saddle mounts 234 may bemounted facing each other simply by orienting the clamp handles onopposite sides of the crossbar, as shown.

As shown in FIG. 4, each saddle mount 234 includes a single pieceC-shaped portion or support member 242 mounted on base 243. In apreferred example, C-shaped portion 242 has a thickness in a range ofapproximately 0.025-inches to 0.225-inches, or more specifically,0.125-inches. C-shaped portion 242 also may have side walls 244 whichare somewhat thicker, for example, 0.25-inches. C-shaped portion 242includes curved middle region 248 which may have a diameter in the rangeof 0.5-inches to 2.5-inches, or more specifically, for example,1.3-inches. Curved middle region 248 connects upper platform portion 249to floor expanse 250 of C-shaped portion 242. Floor expanse 250 issecured to base 243.

C-shaped portion 242 may have one or more stiffening ribs or dents 264for strengthening saddle mount 234 and/or resisting various forcesapplied by a boat hull. Wing expanse 268 is connected to the top side ofupper platform portion 249 of C-shaped portion 242. Wing expanse 268 hasside walls 269 forming a three-sided, open-ended, diaphragm forgripping, adapting, conforming, cushioning, and/or supporting the hullof a boat. Wing expanse 268 has a recessed area on the top surface whichholds frictional pad 270, for example, made of rubber, for frictionallygripping the outer surface of a boat hull. In a preferred embodiment,the elastomeric pad 270 is made of Dynaflex G2709 which has a 53 shore Adurometer specification. Wing expanse 268 also may have internalstiffening ribs 271 connecting wing expanse 268 to upper platformportion 249.

In a preferred embodiment, C-shaped portion 242 is made of plasticcomprising unfilled Nylon 6/6 which allows the mount to flex withoutcracking. The C channel or gap may collapse so that the tips of the Care touching for a steeped-bottom boat (approximately 20 degrees offlex). In contrast, the C structure may also open up for a flat-bottomboat (approximately 9 degrees of flex). Youngs Modulus is about 160,000PSI. The yield strength of the material is approximately 6000 PSI. Base243 is preferably made of glass-filled nylon for stiffness andstructure.

Each saddle mount 234 includes clamps 264 for securing C-shaped portion242 to crossbar 228. Base 243 includes stationary or fixed jaw 268descending downward from a side of base 243 opposite from the top sideto which C-shaped portion 242 is attached. Base 243 has internal track272 for retaining and guiding sliding jaw member 276. Threaded bolt orscrew shaft 280 engages sliding jaw member 276. Rotation of bolt 280causes sliding jaw member 276 to move, alternately, back and forth,toward and away, from stationary jaw 268, along a path parallel to axisAA, and perpendicular to crossbar 228. Handle 282 is attached to bolt280 for manually turning bolt 280. Handle 282 may be a knob or otherdevice configured for twisting or rotating to cause rotation of shaft280 resulting in translation of sliding jaw member 276. Alternatively,handle 282 may be replaced by a cam lever configured to screw and/orpivot causing movement of sliding jaw member 276 (FIG. 9).

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of saddle mount 234 mounted oncrossbar 228. Clamp 264 includes stationary jaw 268 and sliding jaw 276for cooperatively clamping crossbar 228. Each of the jaws, as shown,have internal notches or grooves 299a, 299b for adapting to crossbars ofdifferent shapes, as explained in more detail below. Stationary jawportion 268 is integrally formed with or from base 243. Bolt 280 extendsthrough base 243, and is engaged with a threaded aperture in sliding jawmember 276. Handle 282 is provided for rotating bolt 280, therebycausing sliding jaw member 276 to move alternately, toward and away fromstationary jaw portion 268. As explained above, a different type ofactuator handle, for example, a pivoting cam lever may also be used.Floor expanse 250 of C-shaped support 242 is fastened to base 243.

Floor expanse 250 is connected to curved middle region 248, which inturn is connected to upper platform portion 244. Upper platform portion244 is cantilevered inward toward axis AA (cradle axis) and the othersaddle mount, as shown in FIG. 2. Wing expanse 268 has side walls 270creating a three-sided open-ended diaphragm for interfacing with a boathull.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of saddle mount 234 with most of thestructures numbered the same as in FIGS. 4 and 5. Clamp 264 includesbase 243 and stationary jaw portion 268. Sliding jaw member 276 hasupper plate portion 297 which slides in internal track 272 (see FIG. 4)of base 243. Bolt 280 and handle 282 are operable for controllingsliding movement of jaw member 276. C-shaped support 242 includes flange298. Flange 298 has a hole for receiving bolt 280 and securing floorexpanse 250 onto base 243. Other structure shown in FIG. 6 are the sameas already described above.

FIG. 7 shows bike mount 330 for carrying bicycle 334 on top of vehicle336. Crossbars 340 a and 340 b are secured to the roof of vehicle 336via towers 344 a-d. Bike mount 330 includes elongate base 350 havingfront portion 354 and back or rear portion 358. Front portion 354 ofbase 350 includes head portion 362. Head portion 362 has clamp 366 forgripping front crossbar 340 a. Rear portion 358 of body 350 has rearclamp 370 for gripping rear crossbar 340 b. Front wheel 374 of bike 334is gripped by first hoop 378 and second hoop 382. Rear wheel 386 ofbicycle 334 is gripped by rear wheel binding 390. Cable lock 392 passesthrough ring 394 on second hoop 382 and around downtube 395 of bicycle334 for preventing theft.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section through head 362 of elongate body 350 ofbicycle mount 330. Second hoop member 382 has ramp 410 for engaging orcontacting a front wheel of a bicycle as it is loaded onto rack 330. Asa wheel rolls onto ramp 410, second hoop member 382 pivots upward aroundaxis 400 to an upright or clamping position.

Second hoop member 382 also has lever arm 412 projecting downward whensecond hoop member 382 is in its collapsed or stowed position. Lever arm412 has pivot point 414. Bolt member or shaft 418 is connected to pivotpoint 414 of lever arm 412. The opposite end portion of 422 of boltmember 418 is threaded, and projects through opening 426 of head 362.Knob or handle 430 has a hole with internal threads for engagingthreaded end portion 422 of bolt member 418. Tightening rotation ofhandle 430 causes lever arm 412 to rotate around axis 400 in a clockwisedirection, as shown in FIG. 3. Second hoop member 382 including ramp 410and lever arm 412 may also be referred to as a three-way rocker systemfor clamping a bicycle wheel. In use, it can be seen that a wheelexerting a forward force on ramp 410 causes clockwise rotationalmovement of lever arm 412, and corresponding movement of bolt member 418through opening 426, thus exposing visibly threads on bolt member 418. Auser may then simply spin or rotate handle 430 in a clockwise, ortightening direction until the threads are no longer visible and thesecond hoop member is tightened in a carriage position around a frontbicycle wheel.

In operation, when the front wheel of a bike hits the ramp at the frontof the rear hoop, the weight of the bike pushes the ramp down and therear hoop rotates up against the wheel. When the rear hoop raises up,the long bolt is driven towards the rear of the bike. The knob or handle(preferably red) is attached to the long bolt and also moves rearward,exposing about two inches of threads of the long bolt between the baseand the red knob. The weight of the bike keeps the front wheel inposition and the front wheel rotated up which allows the user to let goof the bike. The user spins the red knob until it is seated against thebase then tightens the knob. With the knob tight against the base, thelong bolt is prevented from moving forward and allowing the rear hoop torotate down and release the bike.

To release the bike, the red knob is loosened until it hits a stopformed by a locking nut at the end of a long bolt. With the knob fullyloose, a gap is formed between the knob and the base exposing the longbolt. The bike is then rolled rearward which allows the rear hoop tolower and the knob to move forward to the base. When the bike isreleased and removed, the front hoop is folded down toward the back ofthe mount.

FIG. 8 also illustrates components of front clamp 366 of head 362. Head362 includes stationary jaw 450 descending from the bottom side of head362. Sliding jaw 454 is movable, in a reciprocating mode, back and forthin an internal track of head 362, alternately toward and away fromstationary jaw 450 in the direction of arrow 456. Threaded bolt 460extends through head 362, and engages a threaded aperture in sliding jaw366. Handle 464 is connected to the other end of bolt 160. Rotation ofhandle 464 causes reciprocating motion of sliding jaw 366 in the backand forth directions of arrow 456. Handle 464 may take the form of asimple screw knob, or may use a pivoting cam lever to actuate movementof the sliding jaw. It may also be useful to use a screwing and pivotingcam lever, the screwing action for rough adjustment, and the pivotingcam action for final quick engagement and release.

As shown in FIG. 8, the jaws 450 and 454 have contours on their innersurface which are configured for accommodating crossbars of differentshapes and sizes. For a bike mount that straddles two crossbars,preventing rotation on a single crossbar is less important. However,accommodating different crossbar shapes and angles may be an objective.

FIG. 9 shows a series of views of a bike mount clamp adapting to gripcrossbars of different shapes and sizes. For example, head portion 500includes stationary jaw 502 and sliding jaw 508. Knob 512 is providedfor controlling reciprocating back and forth movement of sliding jaw 508toward and away from stationary jaw 502. Each jaw has an internalsurface with grooves, notches, and/or recesses for accommodatingdifferent crossbar shapes. Grooves on the inner surface of each jawinclude center groove 520, lower groove 524, and upper groove 530. Thefirst view in the series shows grooves 524, and 530 of jaws 502 and 508gripping a rectangular crossbar 536. The next view (upper right) showscenter groove of stationary jaw 502 and lower groove 524b of sliding jaw508 gripping an angled, elliptically-shaped crossbar 546. The third view(lower right) shows stationary jaw 502 and sliding jaw 508 grippinground crossbar 556. Round crossbar 556 contacts the shoulders of theinner surfaces of the jaws between the grooves.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of bike mount 600 clamped onelliptically-shaped crossbar 610. Elongate base 614 includes head 618.First hoop member 622 and second hoop member 626 are collapsed intotheir stowed position substantially parallel with elongate body 614. Twostationary jaws 634 a and 634 b descend from the bottom side of head618. Sliding jaw 640 moves back and forth in track 644.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective elevation view of the bike mount shown inFIG. 10. Elongate body 614 includes head 618. Stationary jaws 634a and634b descend from the bottom side of head 618 for clampingelliptically-shaped crossbar 610. First hoop member 622 and second hoopmember 626 are collapsed in their stowed position. Ramp 650 projectsupward while lever arm 652 projects downward in a position ready forbicycle loading onto the mount. Knob or handle 660 is provided fortightening second hoop member 626 on the back of a front wheel of abicycle. As explained previously, after a bike rolls onto ramp 650,second hoop member 626 pivots around axis BB upward into contact withthe front wheel of the bicycle. This causes handle 360 to movebackwards, thereby moving threads 664 of bolt 670 through aperture 674of housing 680. When threads 664 are viewable from outside of housing680, the user may simply spin or tighten knob 660 to secure clamping onthe front wheel of the bicycle.

FIG. 12 shows the front portion of bike mount 700 including head 716having first and second stationary jaws 718 a and 718 b. First hoopmember 720 and second hoop member 724 are shown in their stowedposition. Ramp 728 projects upward ready for bicycle loading. Handle 734is provided for controlling longitudinal sliding movement of a slidingjaw (not shown). It should be appreciated that other tighteningmechanisms may be substituted for handle 734. For example, a “quickrelease” style cam lever type actuator may be used instead. Lock device740 is provided for locking head 716 onto crossbar 710 as shown andexplained in more detail below. A key may be used to rotate a lockcylinder inside port 746 which may selectively obstruct, restrict orblock rotation of handle 734.

The sliding jaw or “claw” may be driven by a screw, for example,approximately 5 inches long. At one end of the screw is a knob. To lockthe mount to the crossbar, a locking feature may be added to prevent theknob from turning. The locking solution may vary between products. Anysolution that prevents the screw from turning may be used to lock themount to the crossbars.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show views inside lock device 740 illustrating anexemplary locking mechanism. Lock device 740 has a key-operated barrel746. As barrel 746 rotates, pin 750 also rotates counterclockwise asshown from the view in FIG. 8 to the view in FIG. 9. Movement of pin 750shifts follower 754 to the left of the figures, as shown by the arrow inFIG. 9. Handle 734 is connected to a shaft component which has notchesor recesses 756. When follower 754 moves to the left in FIG. 9,projection 758 moves into recess 766, thereby preventing handle 734 fromrotating. The position in FIG. 14 prevents shaft 770 from rotating,thereby preventing the bike mount from being removed from the crossbar.

For smaller mounts, for example, such as boat, saddles or a wheelfork,the fixed jaw may be approximately 3-4 inches wide while the sliding jawmay be narrower, for example, 1-2 inches wide. To prevent crossbardamage on a larger mount like an upright bike mount, the load may bespread further apart. The upright bike mount may have a clamp area thatis, for example, approximately 8 inches wide. Rather than have two setsof clamps 8 inches apart, the mount may have a pair of fixed jaws withone sliding jaw set between the fixed jaws. With only one center slidingjaw, the mount may be easier to attach to the crossbar.

Each front stationary jaw is about an inch wide. The total span, to theoutside, of the two front jaws is at least six inches, or morepreferably about seven inches. A wider span is more stable. If the jawspan is smaller, the loads on the crossbar are higher.

This may cause small or weaker crossbars to fail. Also a seven inch wideclamp span coincides with a reasonable seven inch span for the width ofthe front wheel hoop. In a preferred design the space between the frontjaws is about 4.75 inches. The gap reduces material, allows the rack tobetter fit crossbars with a slight crown. Having a gap also allows themount to straddle or avoid other crossbar mounts, for example, mountinghooks for a fairing.

FIG. 15 shows another example of a horizontal clamp being used for awheel carrier. Wheel carrier 846 and wheel 848 are shown from the side.Arms 860 may be pivotable, as a unit, with respect to base 856. The armsmay have a wheel receiving position, in which the arms extend upwardlyfrom base 856, as shown here. In the wheel receiving position, the armsmay extend at any suitable angle with respect to the direction ofgravitational force, such as substantially parallel (e.g., within about20 or 10 degrees from parallel) or oblique to the direction ofgravitational force (e.g., about 20 to 60 degrees from parallel). Forexample, the arms may slant rearward, as shown here. The arms also mayhave a storage position, indicated in phantom outline at 880, in whichthe arms extend horizontally.

Each arm may define at least one slot 882. The slot may be formed near adistal end 884 of arm 860, generally with the distance of slot 882 frombase 856 being about the same as or greater than a radius of wheel 848.Slot 882 may form a receiver at which axle 862 can be received from anend or a side of arms 860. In the present illustration, the slot has amouth formed on the side of arm 860. The slot is generally wide enoughto receive a segment of wheel axle 862. The slot may or may not beelongate and may extend along arm 60 and partially across the arm. Inthe present illustration, slot 882 extends both partially across andthen along arm 860 on an L-shaped path. The slot may be elongate in adirection along arm 860 to permit wheels of different size (i.e., havingdistinct radii) to be used with the same wheel carrier. In other words,smaller wheels may have their axles disposed farther down slot 882toward base 856, while larger wheels may have their axles disposedcloser to distal end 884, when the wheel is secured to the carrier. Inother embodiments, slot 882 may extend obliquely to the long axis of arm860.

Base 856 may provide a bar mount or clamp 886. The clamp may opposinglyengage bar 850 with a pair of jaws 888, 890, to fix the position of thewheel carrier on the bar. The jaws may be formed by a lower, dependingportion of base 856.

FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of wheel carrier 846. Clamp 886 may beformed by fixed jaw 888 and slidable jaw 890, which collectively form acavity between each other to receive load supporting bar 850, with bar850 extending orthogonally to a long axis 891 of base 856. Fixed jaw 888may, for example, be formed by body 892, as a downward projectionthereof. Slidable jaw 890 may be capable of reciprocative motion,indicated at 914, toward and away from fixed jaw 888, to change thespacing between the jaws. Motion of slidable jaw 890 may be along alinear motion axis 916. The motion axis may be substantially orthogonalto a long axis 918 defined by bar 850 and/or substantially parallel tolong axis 891 of base 856. Clamp 886 may be described as a horizontalclamp, meaning that linear motion axis 916 is horizontal when the clampis mounted on bar 850 and/or when arms 860 are oriented upward in theirwheel receiving position.

Slidable jaw 890 may be driven in either direction along motion axis 916by operation of a drive member 922. The drive member may be a threadeddrive member disposed in threaded engagement with slidable jaw 890. Forexample, drive member 922 may include a threaded rod 924, namely, adrive screw that extends through slidable jaw 890. Drive member 922 mayhave a substantially fixed axial position in body 892, such thatrotation of the drive member causes translational motion of slidable jaw890 without net displacement of the drive member. The drive member alsomay include graspable handle or knob 898, which may be turned by hand torotate threaded rod 924, which adjusts clamp 886.

FIG. 17 shows a longitudinal sectional view of wheel carrier 846.Threaded engagement of threaded rod 924 with slidable jaw 890 isindicated by an arrow at 926.

Clamp 886 may be a “universal” clamp capable of effective engagement ofbars having different cross-sectional shapes and/or sizes. To achievethis ability, fixed jaw 888 and slidable jaw 890 may have respectivebar-engagement surfaces 930, 932 that are contoured to be wavy orsinuous in profile, to form a plurality of notches 934. Moreparticularly, each surface 930, 932, in profile, may include a pluralityof distinct concave and/or convex surface regions having differentcurvatures, a discernable and/or sharp boundary between adjoiningsurface regions, different shapes (angular versus curved), and/or thelike. In some embodiments, the respective profiles of the fixed andslidable jaws may not (or may) be mirror images of one another. Forexample, in the present illustration, one of the jaws (fixed jaw 888)presents a more angular profile, while the other of the jaws (slidablejaw 890) presents a more curved profile.

The clamp may have any other suitable configuration. For example, thejaws of the clamp may pivot open and closed in a clamshell arrangement.Alternatively, or in addition, the jaws of the clamp may move relativeto another along a vertical axis instead of the horizontal axis shown inFIG. 17.

Wheel carrier 846 may include a lock 940 (e.g., a security lock) that isactuatable to place the lock in a locked position that blocks adjustmentof clamp 886 and/or release of latches 906, 908 (see FIG. 16). The lockmay include a blocking member or cam 942 that is movable (e.g.,pivotable) between locked and unlocked positions. In the lockedposition, blocking member 942 may be disposed in the rotational path ofdrive member 922, such as in the path of a fixture 944 that is fixed tothreaded rod 924 at a distal end of drive member 922. In someembodiments, blocking member 942 may form a flange 946 that is receivedin a slot 148 formed in blocking member 942, or vice versa. In anyevent, blocking member 942 in the locked position may prevent drivemember 922 from being turned and thus may prevent adjustment of clamp886. In other words, the locked position of lock 940 may restrictadjustment of the clamp from a closed position to an open positionhaving a jaw spacing sufficient for disconnection of wheel carrier 846from bar 850.

Lock 940 may require a security token, such as a key, to pivot blockingmember 942 from outside the wheel carrier. For example, blocking member942 may be attached to a lock core 950, which may be disposed in a lockhousing 952. The lock core and its attached blocking member 942 may bepivoted when a matching key is inserted in lock core 950 and turned.Thus, lock 940, in the locked position, may prevent an unauthorizedperson from opening clamp 886, thereby discouraging theft of the wheelcarrier.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of wheel carrier 846 taken throughlock 940 with the lock disposed in a locked position. The rotaryposition of blocking member 942 may be determined by the rotary positionof lock core 950, which may be received in an opening 988 defined by theblocking member.

The lock may be flanked by opposing channels 990, 992 defined byopenings formed in body 892. Each channel may receive an end of strap866.

Latches 906, 908 each may be pivotably coupled to body 892 by arespective pin 994. Each latch may include a pawl 996 that is receivedbetween adjacent teeth 998 of strap 866, to restrict longitudinal motionof an end region of the strap. Each latch may be connected to a spring999 that urges pawl 996 into engagement with teeth 998. The teeth may bebiased in shape, to selectively permit tightening relative to looseningof the strap. Each latch may include an external lever or tab 1000, topermit a user to pivot pawl 996 out of engagement with the teeth, fromoutside the wheel carrier. However, each latch also may be equipped withan internal lever 1002 that also controls the ability of the latch topivot. When blocking member 942 is in the locked position, as in FIG.18, an end surface 1004 of the blocking member may be situated toobstruct motion of internal lever 1002 that would permit pawl 996 todisengage teeth 998. For example, in the present illustration, endsurface 1004 interferes with downward motion of the end of each internallever 1002, thereby preventing release of strap 866 at both end regionsthereof (when both have been secured by their respective latches). Insome embodiments, blocking member 942 may function as a cam that bearsagainst internal levers 1002 (e.g., urging them upward in the presentillustration), as the lock is placed into the locked position.Accordingly, blocking member 942 may be eccentrically mounted withrespect to end surface 1004, such that the distance from the pivot axisof blocking member 942 to distinct circumferential positions of endsurface 1004 is variable.

Blocking member 942, while blocking the ability of latches 906, 908 tobe released, also may block rotation of fixture 944 of the drive member.As described previously with respect to FIG. 17, flange 946 of blockingmember 942 may be received in slot 948 of fixture 944 to prevent thedrive member from being rotated. Therefore, lock 940 may act to blockremoval of strap 866 and adjustment of clamp 886 at the same time,thereby simultaneously preventing theft of the wheel carrier and thewheel.

FIG. 19 shows lock 940 disposed in an unlocked position that permitsremoval of the wheel carrier from the vehicle rack (following permittedadjustment (i.e., opening) of clamp 886) and removal of the bicyclewheel from the wheel carrier (following permitted release of at leastone of latches 906, 908). In the unlocked position, blocking member 942may be pivoted out of the travel paths of latches 906, 908 and fixture944, thereby permitting pivotal motion of internal levers 1002 thatreleases latches 906, 908 and also permitted rotational motion of thedrive member that opens the jaws of the clamp.

FIG. 20 shows cargo box 1120 secured to vehicle 1122. Cargo box 1120 haslid 1124 connected to bottom portion 1126. Bottom portion 1126 of cargobox 1120 includes clamps 1128 a and 1128 b for securing bottom portion1126 of cargo box 1120 to crossbars 1130 a and 1130 b, respectively.FIG. 21 shows a partial perspective view of floor 1132 of bottom portion1126 of cargo box 1120, as shown in FIG. 20. Clamp assembly 1128 a ismounted in floor 1132. Clamp assembly 1128 a includes base 1134 whichremains stationary and fixed in floor 1132. Fixed jaw portion 1136descends substantially vertically from base 1134 external to box 1120.Sliding jaw member 1138 is slidably connected to base 1134, and alsodescends vertically for cooperatively gripping crossbar 1130 a alongwith stationary jaw portion 1136. Base 1134 has internal slot or track1140 for guiding sliding jaw member 1138 along horizontal clamping axisQ. Shaft assembly 1142 has a distal end portion pivotally connected tosliding jaw member 1138 along pivot axis 1144. A proximal end of shaftassembly 1142 is pivotally connected to lever 1146 along pivot axis1148. Lever 1146 is pivotally connected to base 1134 and/or stationaryjaw portion 1136, along pivot axis 1150.

Adjustment device, for example, dial 1152 is provided for adjusting theeffective length of shaft assembly 1142 to accommodate crossbars ofdifferent shapes and dimensions. Any adjustment device which allowsmodification of the effective length of shaft assembly 1142 may be usedto alter the clamping function to suit different crossbarconfigurations. For example, dial 1152 may be keyed to a shaft which hasa threaded connection to a busing or a nut member along the assembly.

FIGS. 22-24 show side views of clamp 1128 a moving from a clampedposition, shown in FIG. 22, to an unclamped position, shown in FIG. 24.Similar to FIG. 21, clamp 1128 a is mounted in the floor of the cargobox. Clamp 1128 a includes base 1134. Stationary jaw portion 1136descends from base 1134 to an external bottom side of cargo box 1120.Sliding jaw member 1138 also descends from base 1134, and is mounted ina slot or track in base 1134 for guiding horizontal movement of slidingjaw 1138. Adjustable shaft assembly 1142 connects stationary jaw portion1136 to sliding jaw member 1138 via lever 1146. Shaft assembly 1142 ispivotally connected to sliding jaw member 1138 along pivot axis 1144.The other end of shaft assembly 1142 is pivotally connected to lever1146 along pivot axis 1148. Lever 1146 is pivotally connected to base1134 and/or stationary jaw portion 1136 along pivot axis 1150.Adjustment dial 1152 is provided for altering the effective length ofshaft assembly 1142 to accommodate crossbars of different shapes anddimensions. Lever 1146 is bent or angled upward to provide easiermanipulation, particularly when clamp 1128 a is in the clamped position,as shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 23 shows clamp 1128 a with lever 1146partially rotated around pivot axis 1150 in a clockwise directionbetween clamped and unclamped positions. FIG. 24 shows clamp 1128 a withlever 1146 fully rotated around pivot axis 1150 to the unclampedposition. As shown in FIG. 24, stationary jaw portion 1136 and slidingjaw member 1138 are moved apart by a maximum distance.

FIG. 25 shows an alternative clamp assembly 60 for securing a cargo boxto a crossbar. Clamp assembly 1160 includes base 1162 which is mountedin the floor of a cargo box. Stationary jaw portion 1164 descends frombase 1162. Sliding jaw 1166 is mounted in a slot or track of base 1162,and is permitted to move horizontally, alternately, toward and away fromstationary jaw portion 1164. Shaft 1168 has hooked end 1170 for engagingone of multiple grooves 1172 in an upper side of sliding jaw member1166. The other end of shaft 1168 is pivotally connected to lever 1174along pivot axis 1176. Lever 1174 is pivotally connected to base 1162and/or stationary jaw portion 1164 along pivot axis 1178. Similar toclamp assembly 1128 a illustrated in FIGS. 21-24, clamp assembly 1160may be manipulated between clamped and unclamped positions by movinglever 1174 around pivot axis 1178. Clamp assembly 60 may be adapted toaccommodate crossbars of different shapes and dimensions by engaginghooked end 1170 of shaft 1168 to selected grooves or notches 1172 onsliding jaw member 1166.

Many alternatives and modifications of the examples described above, arepossible and may be advantageous for different applications. Forexample, most of the examples include a “stationary” jaw combined with a“sliding” jaw. Similar designs may be useful in which both jaws may bemovable or slidable along a horizontal clamping direction.

The various structural members disclosed herein may be constructed fromany suitable material, or combination of materials, such as metal,plastic, nylon, plastic, rubber, or any other materials with sufficientstructural strength to withstand the loads incurred during use.Materials may be selected based on their durability, flexibility,weight, and/or aesthetic qualities.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certaincombinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of thedisclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodiedin other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions,elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of thepresent claims or presentation of new claims in this or a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to adifferent invention or directed to the same invention, whetherdifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are also regarded as included within the subject matter of theinventions of the present disclosure.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for securing cargo to a crossbar on top of avehicle comprising: a pair of crossbars configured for mounting on avehicle roof generally parallel to the direction of vehicle travel, eachcrossbar having a leading side and a trailing side, a cargo supportingdevice configured to contact and secure cargo on top of a vehicle, thecargo supporting device having a track defining a horizontal linearclamping axis parallel to a direction of vehicle travel, and a first jawmember descending from a bottom side of the cargo supporting device andengaging the leading side of one of the crossbars; a second jaw memberhaving a concave internal surface, the second jaw member beingconfigured to move along the track of the cargo supporting device forclamping a crossbar cooperatively with the first jaw member; and anactuator connected to the second jaw member and configured to drivemovement of the second jaw member along the internal track, the actuatorincluding a threaded shaft extending generally along the clamping axisand engaging corresponding internal threads of the second jaw membersuch that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the secondjaw member along the track relative to the first jaw member.